Today's offering showcases this rare 9K Art Deco Rolex made c. the 1930's.

At the heart of the Art Deco era, shortly after their release of the very first Oyster watches and before they began to specialize in mostly sport watches, Rolex crafted dress wristwatches of very fine quality.

This very fine Art Deco Rolex features a pleasing cushion case and fine hunter caliber Rolex handwound movement.

What makes this watch particularly interesting is its very early use of one of the first shock resistance systems. This is the earliest shock-resistant Rolex we can recall ever seeing.

Anyone who wears modern watches tends to take shock protection in their watch for granted. But shock resistance not only wasn't always presents in watches; in fact it wasn't ubiquitous until the 1950's. Before that time even a simple blow to a timepiece from smacking one’s arm against a table could be enough to cause damage to the balance staff.

That's why shock resistance was one of the major modern horological inventions. The shock protection system was installed over the finest pivots in the movement, the ones for the balance, that are extremely breakable.

That's why early shock resistant watches proudly proclaimed such on their dials, announcing they were equipped with one of the major modern horological advancements.

Although Incabloc, the shock resistance system that would become the standard, launched in 1932, hardly any wristwatches in the 1930's had shock resistance, even those from the most prestigious names in watches. Even as the advancement picked up steam, throughout the 1940's most still did not.

We are pleased to offer this exceptionally early shock resistance Rolex. Originally a mens watch, by today's standard it would be a mid-sized watch well-suited for someone who doesn't have large wrists.

It has fully Rolex parts down to its original winding crown. Its case is excellent condition for its age with fairly light wear and dimpling to the back. Its dial has been restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America.

Its high-grade shock resistant Rolex movement originally would have had sweep seconds but the pinion is no longer present. Please inquire if you want one expertly fabricated for you by one of the leading U.S. parts makers.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it and installed a new mineral glass crystal to give a clear view to the very edge of the dial.

For the finishing touch we have installed a new leather calf leather leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the British market
• Year made: 1930's
• Functions: Hours and Minutes
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 9K rose gold
• Case markings (inside):  Dennison, Made in England, 11400, precious metal hallmarks, A.L.D. 124,688, numerous hand engraved watchmaker's marks showing a service history
• Case condition: Excellent condition for its age with fairly light wear and dimpling to the back.
• Dial: Silver, signed Rolex Shock-Resisting, black painted Arabic numerals, outer graduated track with fine increments, expertly restored
• Hands: Gold, faceted dauphines
• Movement type: High grade, signed Rolex, 15 jewels, with rare shock resistance system, manually wound, rhodium plated, Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator
• Movement markings: Rolex, Swiss Made, 15 Rubis
• Jewels: 15 rubies
• Band: Calf leather, designed for fixed lug watches, gold tone unsigned buckle
• Crystal : Mineral glass, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide